Fray Vera can no longer administer San Geronimo de Taos. He seems to have an infirmity which makes him temperamentally unfit for the job, which requires someone with a more affable and persuasive personality, who can smooth relations with, and maintain the friendship and loyalty of the residents to Spanish rule. Again, a warning of the necessity for great vigilance in regard to the threat of subversion by Jose Napoleon's government, especially due to the province's proximity to Luisiana- plans for surveillance and apprehension of foreigners; use of espionage; importance of keeping friendship of Indians (especially the Comanches) through preferential treatment, gifts, etc... Detained and interrogated, Smith and his companions stick to their explanation that they are in the province solely for mercantile reasons. That, dissatisfied with English rule in Luisiana, they came to Nueva Mexico hoping to be granted tenancy and domicile. Also, reference to a letter, written in English, sent earlier on to the comandante general. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)